We have a choice today: we can be loving, or we can be self-absorbed. One of the options leaves us caring for those around us, and the other leaves us caring only for ourselves. When we love others, we will naturally shift our focus to others and ways we can serve them, and when we are self-absorbed, we are unable to focus on the people and needs around us. In light of this, our Bible study today will help us learn how to love others better and let go of self-absorption. After all, don’t you want to be a person who is loving, not wrapped up in self-absorption?
Would you rather eat only sopapillas or tamales for the rest of your life? Why?
1. While very few people want to be narcissistic, many still find themselves living self-absorbed. Why do you think so many people fall into self-absorption?
2. In your own words, define “agape” love. In what ways is agape love different than the two other Greek words for love, “eros” and “phileo?”3. Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. Why, do you think, all of these positive attributes and actions, when done without love, are meaningless?
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.
4. Of faith, hope, and love, why do you think love is the greatest? How does this knowledge impact you and the way you love people?
5. Read John 15:9-13. What is different about the love Jesus describes here?
John 15:9-13 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:9-13
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
6. Jesus calls His followers to love others just like He has loved us. How has Jesus loved us, and how can you demonstrate His sacrificial love to other people?7. What is one way that you can put your love into action this week?
Does your group know someone in need right now? Maybe you know someone who is feeling lonely today. Can you send them a card or take them a meal? Maybe your group can provide a gift card to someone struggling financially. Perhaps it is a person in your group who was really involved before the Coronavirus pandemic hit, but now they have been absent. Talk to your group and decide how to look beyond yourselves and love someone this week.
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Psalm 126:3 Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!
Psalm 126:3
Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!
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